The sky blues declared themselves European contenders in the summer after their Abu Dhabi takeover, most notably by the huge last-minute signing of Robinho. However, their potential hasn’t been completely evident so far and they sit fifteenth in the Premier League, the owners aren’t happy. They have compiled good and poor results in a topsy-turvy season. They sit second on the goal scoring table with twenty nine, second only to Chelsea with thirty three respectively.
So the talent is there but it is not shining and the Abu Dhabi owners would rather use big money transfers as solutions. Many names have been mentioned with recent speculation regarding Real Madrid shot-stopper, Iker Casillas. The club apparently offered a mammoth £129 million to Madrid for their keeper, but Casillas is said to have knocked back the deal. Kaka has also been mentioned, with reports suggesting that the 2007 European Player of the Year has been talking to countrymen Robinho and Elano about City. The brilliant Brazilian has made it clear he wants to play in the Premier League, and with City stating he is on their radar, he might get his wish sooner rather than later.
But it seems they are not lacking up front but at the back. They have been scoring but not defending, so it would seem they would be better of bringing in a solid defender. Considering they are heavily cashed up, it seems they could tempt nearly any player in the world to join them but with the club at fifteenth and struggling in Europe, big name players may refuse to join. I think that if they could capture Kaka, it would be another great signing but I believe they need a defender.
They have been talking about a swoop for Kolo Toure from Arsenal and it wouldn’t be a bad signing at all. The Ivorian has lost his starting place in the first eleven at the north London club and may want a move. He would add experience and at his best, can be very solid. Don’t forget that stinging right foot he has either.
My Transfer: Kolo Toure (Arsenal FC)
With arguably the biggest shopping list worldwide, the fringe players at City might find it very hard to stay at the club. Players like Ben Haim, Hamann, Ball, Petrov and even Jo apparently on notice.
With more huge signings expected in January these players could be booking flights out of Eastlands. Jo appears to be safe, for now, as manager Mark Hughes stated that he believes Jo will find his touch again very soon, but at the moment Mark Hughes isn’t even guaranteed his place.
This soon may turn into a club like Madrid, a long term injury might seal a transfer to another club, the owners want success and they want it now. This is the case with Petrov, but I think Ben Haim has been poor this season, so I think he will be transferred by City if they are looking into defensive players like Kolo Toure.
My Most Likely To Leave: Tal Ben Haim
Manchester City fans – who will be coming and leaving this January?
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